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The Complete Novels of Jane Austen: Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Lady Susan
This collection features Austen’s six great masterpieces, along with Lady Susan, an epistolary novel. Each volume features charming four-color illustrations and gorgeous design elements throughout, making it an essential addition to every Austen fan’s library.
2135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1981
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About the author
Jane Austen
3,587 books75k followersJane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.
The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.
The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.
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August 26, 2018
Here’s my list of Austen novels, from favourite to least favourite:
1. Persuasion- My favourite Austen! It is the shortest and the one with the most enduring romance plot. And it is also the one where she attacks society with the most vigour. Not a word is wasted: it is compact and moves quickly.
“I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.”
2. Sense and Sensibility- Two protagonists for the price of one! I didn’t actually know how this one would end, which kept it interesting. The romances are usually quite predictable. Austen also explores ideas of the picturesque and how higher society often pretend to appreciate what they clearly don’t understand. A sharp piece of writing.
“The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”
3. Northanger Abbey- This was my first Austen. And I loved the way she defended the novel and reading throughout. Though she was an advocate of proper reading and not becoming disengaged from reality to the point where you think your life is a gothic romance. A very amusing read!
“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”
4. Pride and Prejudice- Austen is not interested in fleeting moments of heat and sexual lust; she portrays true and lasting romantic attachments, relationships that are strong and real. For her, such things transcend class boundaries, wealth and intelligence. And I enjoyed seeing the characters realise this.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
5. Emma- Austen attacks society again very strongly here, though I think the novel lacked a real plot driver. It was saved in my estimation by a very compelling heroine who knew exactly what she wanted from life and sought after it. Emma isn’t a woman to be walked over.
“I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control. ”
6. Mansfield Park- What can I say? The only Austen I didn’t give five stars. It was just boring with an absent protagonist. I was glad to finish it.
“I was quiet, but I was not blind.”
What do you think? Do you agree with my list? I would love to hear other people's
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1. Persuasion- My favourite Austen! It is the shortest and the one with the most enduring romance plot. And it is also the one where she attacks society with the most vigour. Not a word is wasted: it is compact and moves quickly.
“I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.”
2. Sense and Sensibility- Two protagonists for the price of one! I didn’t actually know how this one would end, which kept it interesting. The romances are usually quite predictable. Austen also explores ideas of the picturesque and how higher society often pretend to appreciate what they clearly don’t understand. A sharp piece of writing.
“The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”
3. Northanger Abbey- This was my first Austen. And I loved the way she defended the novel and reading throughout. Though she was an advocate of proper reading and not becoming disengaged from reality to the point where you think your life is a gothic romance. A very amusing read!
“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”
4. Pride and Prejudice- Austen is not interested in fleeting moments of heat and sexual lust; she portrays true and lasting romantic attachments, relationships that are strong and real. For her, such things transcend class boundaries, wealth and intelligence. And I enjoyed seeing the characters realise this.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
5. Emma- Austen attacks society again very strongly here, though I think the novel lacked a real plot driver. It was saved in my estimation by a very compelling heroine who knew exactly what she wanted from life and sought after it. Emma isn’t a woman to be walked over.
“I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control. ”
6. Mansfield Park- What can I say? The only Austen I didn’t give five stars. It was just boring with an absent protagonist. I was glad to finish it.
“I was quiet, but I was not blind.”
What do you think? Do you agree with my list? I would love to hear other people's
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July 25, 2019
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
--"Pride and Prejudice"
This famous opening may not hold true in this day and age, but I would definitely acknowledge the truth that Jane Austen is, hands down, a genius! I could now honestly say, that I have never encountered an "Austen" I didn't like (and since I've read all of them... NEVER!). All the novels accurately portray the realities of their day, the plotting and scheming for social or monetary advancement, the love triangles, and how true love can overcome all adversities even though life will always remain imperfect.
Austen was gifted with a keen observation of human nature and possessed a refined sense of the satirical, a master at setting off events with the clash of weak versus strong characters, and how all things will settle themselves for better or worse, depending on the choices each person makes. More so, Austen wasn't a radical, she wasn't suggesting that women burn their corsets and hold out for a better deal. She was just describing life as she saw it, with frankness and humor that can be rare in the genre nowadays. She knew that relations between men and women could be complicated, messy, and frustrating-- and that's just the way she liked it.
Her books are modest and witty, courageous and beautiful and who can resist the charm and simple sincerity of characters like Mr. Darcy? I believe the books are still relevant in today’s society. We can still very much relate to her stories. To say that I am a fan of Jane Austen is an understatement, I am over the moon for her!
--"Pride and Prejudice"
This famous opening may not hold true in this day and age, but I would definitely acknowledge the truth that Jane Austen is, hands down, a genius! I could now honestly say, that I have never encountered an "Austen" I didn't like (and since I've read all of them... NEVER!). All the novels accurately portray the realities of their day, the plotting and scheming for social or monetary advancement, the love triangles, and how true love can overcome all adversities even though life will always remain imperfect.
Austen was gifted with a keen observation of human nature and possessed a refined sense of the satirical, a master at setting off events with the clash of weak versus strong characters, and how all things will settle themselves for better or worse, depending on the choices each person makes. More so, Austen wasn't a radical, she wasn't suggesting that women burn their corsets and hold out for a better deal. She was just describing life as she saw it, with frankness and humor that can be rare in the genre nowadays. She knew that relations between men and women could be complicated, messy, and frustrating-- and that's just the way she liked it.
Her books are modest and witty, courageous and beautiful and who can resist the charm and simple sincerity of characters like Mr. Darcy? I believe the books are still relevant in today’s society. We can still very much relate to her stories. To say that I am a fan of Jane Austen is an understatement, I am over the moon for her!
May 1, 2022
Jane Austen has completed seven novels during her lifetime. I read her six big novels from November 2016 to June 2017, so it's been a hot minute (and I'm not opposed to rereading them), but I thought it'd be fun to rank them all, now that I've read Lady Susan as well:
1. Lady Susan (5 stars)
Well, what can I say? I'm more surprised than you are but this novella is now my favorite piece of writing that Jane ever put to paper. This epistolary novel is straight to the point, hilarious, petty, and jaw-dropping. Lady Susan is unlike any of Austen's other heroines – she's actually more of a villain/ anti-heroine, and I was absolutely here for her shenanigans. Who knew Austen writing about a homewracker who gave zero shits would be so much fun?
2. Mansfield Park (4.5 stars, initally 5 stars)
An unlikely fave, since most people would put this book at the bottom of their lists, but it has always been a favorite of mine. Fanny Price will always have a special place in my heart. In my opinion, she is one of the few introverted (not shy!) characters that have ever been authentically written. I could see a lot of myself in her and her need to not be around people. I also loved that it is more of a bildungsroman as opposed to a proper love story.
3. Northanger Abbey (4 stars)
Can you tell that I prefer Austen's sillier novels to her romances? Good. Because I sure do. Northanger Abbey was SO MUCH FUN! It was the first Austen I ever read and it got me immediately hooked to read her other books. Unpopular opinion incoming but Henry Tilney might be my favorite love interest that Jane has ever written. He was so damn charming, and hilarious. Also loved how fast-paced this story was!
4. Emma (4 stars)
This is the Austen that I love to hate. Like, for real, this book is an utter trashfest and probably the worst exhibit of Austen's writing (literally 80% of this book is dialogue and/or Austen using dashes and hyphens ... it was INSUFFERABLE) but for some fucking reason I ate this book up. I'm not particularly fond of Emma Woodhouse – may she be handsome, clever, and rich – nor of Mr Knightley, but I really enjoyed this book??? I'm still confused about it.
5. Pride and Prejudice (3 stars)
Let's face it, folks, the Lizzie Bennett Diaries are better than its source material. There, I said it. So much has been written and said about this book, I have nothing to add to the conversation. For me, it was just okay. I didn't fan over Mr. Darcy, nor did I find Elizabeth to be particularly engaging. I feel like Austen was almost too fond of her as a character, and therefore sacrificed much of her other characters and possible plot points in favor of Lizzie. Also, Lydia deserved a redemption arc!
6. Persuasion (2.5 stars)
This is the one Austen novel I am most curious to reread. I feel like I should've liked it a lot more the first time around, but I somehow didn't. The love letter was great ("I am half agony, half hope...") – I can still quote it from memory, so that's something. I may have been too young when I first read it, or simply running out of juice, since at that point I'd been reading ±an Austen a month, and Persuasion was last in line. We'll see how my opinion changes upon a reread.
7. Sense and Sensibility (2 stars)
By far, my last favorite Austen. And I don't think that this will ever change. This novel was the most dull and uninspired of the bunch. Both couples (Edward & Elinor and Marianne & Colonel Brandon) did nothing for me. I don't remember any of the plot, just that I was bored to death.
Overall, I am really happy that I dove so deep into Austen's oeuvre. I usually don't read much romance, and hers aren't even raunchy (lmao), but I somehow grew fond of her writing and stories. She's definitely a classic writer for all ages. Can't wait to revisit her work in the future, now that I am done with her complete works. :)
1. Lady Susan (5 stars)
Well, what can I say? I'm more surprised than you are but this novella is now my favorite piece of writing that Jane ever put to paper. This epistolary novel is straight to the point, hilarious, petty, and jaw-dropping. Lady Susan is unlike any of Austen's other heroines – she's actually more of a villain/ anti-heroine, and I was absolutely here for her shenanigans. Who knew Austen writing about a homewracker who gave zero shits would be so much fun?
2. Mansfield Park (4.5 stars, initally 5 stars)
An unlikely fave, since most people would put this book at the bottom of their lists, but it has always been a favorite of mine. Fanny Price will always have a special place in my heart. In my opinion, she is one of the few introverted (not shy!) characters that have ever been authentically written. I could see a lot of myself in her and her need to not be around people. I also loved that it is more of a bildungsroman as opposed to a proper love story.
3. Northanger Abbey (4 stars)
Can you tell that I prefer Austen's sillier novels to her romances? Good. Because I sure do. Northanger Abbey was SO MUCH FUN! It was the first Austen I ever read and it got me immediately hooked to read her other books. Unpopular opinion incoming but Henry Tilney might be my favorite love interest that Jane has ever written. He was so damn charming, and hilarious. Also loved how fast-paced this story was!
4. Emma (4 stars)
This is the Austen that I love to hate. Like, for real, this book is an utter trashfest and probably the worst exhibit of Austen's writing (literally 80% of this book is dialogue and/or Austen using dashes and hyphens ... it was INSUFFERABLE) but for some fucking reason I ate this book up. I'm not particularly fond of Emma Woodhouse – may she be handsome, clever, and rich – nor of Mr Knightley, but I really enjoyed this book??? I'm still confused about it.
5. Pride and Prejudice (3 stars)
Let's face it, folks, the Lizzie Bennett Diaries are better than its source material. There, I said it. So much has been written and said about this book, I have nothing to add to the conversation. For me, it was just okay. I didn't fan over Mr. Darcy, nor did I find Elizabeth to be particularly engaging. I feel like Austen was almost too fond of her as a character, and therefore sacrificed much of her other characters and possible plot points in favor of Lizzie. Also, Lydia deserved a redemption arc!
6. Persuasion (2.5 stars)
This is the one Austen novel I am most curious to reread. I feel like I should've liked it a lot more the first time around, but I somehow didn't. The love letter was great ("I am half agony, half hope...") – I can still quote it from memory, so that's something. I may have been too young when I first read it, or simply running out of juice, since at that point I'd been reading ±an Austen a month, and Persuasion was last in line. We'll see how my opinion changes upon a reread.
7. Sense and Sensibility (2 stars)
By far, my last favorite Austen. And I don't think that this will ever change. This novel was the most dull and uninspired of the bunch. Both couples (Edward & Elinor and Marianne & Colonel Brandon) did nothing for me. I don't remember any of the plot, just that I was bored to death.
Overall, I am really happy that I dove so deep into Austen's oeuvre. I usually don't read much romance, and hers aren't even raunchy (lmao), but I somehow grew fond of her writing and stories. She's definitely a classic writer for all ages. Can't wait to revisit her work in the future, now that I am done with her complete works. :)
April 11, 2010
I LOVE Jane Austen- I try to read her once a year. Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility are true classics, and Emma and Persuasion are also wonderful. I cannot personally stand Fanny Price from Mansfield Park, but even a so-so Jane Austen is better than your average bestseller today.
Austen's ability to expose the foibles of her characters without actually holding them in disdain is what makes her books so enjoyable. Can you eviscerate someone with a fluffy knife? Not a good image, but in probing the psyches of her characters she shows a true understanding of human nature that is as valid today as it was then. There are so many Mrs Norrises in the world, and yet Lizzies and Darcys and Elinors seem to be in short supply. Nevertheless, there's enough wit and comedy and family and sisterhood and loyalty and friendship to keep you happy, if you go for that sort of stuff.
Austen's ability to expose the foibles of her characters without actually holding them in disdain is what makes her books so enjoyable. Can you eviscerate someone with a fluffy knife? Not a good image, but in probing the psyches of her characters she shows a true understanding of human nature that is as valid today as it was then. There are so many Mrs Norrises in the world, and yet Lizzies and Darcys and Elinors seem to be in short supply. Nevertheless, there's enough wit and comedy and family and sisterhood and loyalty and friendship to keep you happy, if you go for that sort of stuff.
August 14, 2012
I have ready every Jane Austen book at least ten times. I never get tired of them.
June 30, 2022
When it comes to classics, Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors for reasons too long to share here. Although, on the contrary to the popular opinions, Pride and Prejudice is not my most favourite among all of the seven novels of hers.
Since this is a review of The Complete Novels of Jane Austen with all of her seven books in it, instead of writing my reviews for each of those novels, I'm doing so for my review of the condition of this book as a whole. I'll review each book separately in the future.
First, let me start with the ratings I gave to each novel in this collection as well as my ranks from my most to least favourite one:
1. Sense and Sensibility with ★★★★★
2. Mansfield Park with ★★★★★
3. Pride and Prejudice with ★★★★☆
4. Persuasion with ★★★½
5. Emma with ★★★☆☆
6. Lady Susan with ★★★☆☆
7. Northanger Abbey with ★★☆☆☆
What do I think about this book as a whole?
Size
At the risk of stating the obvious, considering how some people complained about the size of this book upon receiving it, a collection of seven novels is not meant to be the kind of book to carry around. As a book to enjoy within the comfort of one's home? It's perfect!
Leather-bound
It's nice to have seven novels all together in a leather-bound edition. However, the binding is not that strong so if you're not careful, chances are big that you'll break it.
The structure
The biggest flaw to me is the absence of table of content for the chapters of each novel in this book which makes it rather difficult to navigate. There might come a time when one runs out of Post-It notes in the middle of a winter night.
All in all, story wise, it's a collection of Jane Austen's works so of course it's a gem! I highly recommend it!
Picture credit: unsplash.com
September 20, 2012
I used to share Mark Twain's sentiments ...
Mark Twain was not an admirer of Jane Austen’s work as he once declared: “I often want to criticize Jane Austen, but her books madden me so that I can't conceal my frenzy from the reader; and therefore I have to stop every time I begin. Every time I read “Pride and Prejudice” I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.”
My first introduction to Austen’s famous romances was “Pride and Prejudice”. Like Mark Twain, her writing style grated on my nerves so much I could not finish the book. While I believe in respecting the rest of the departed, I too was ready to get a shovel, disturb the author’s grave and brutally pummel into dust what Mark Twain may have missed. Disappointed, I abandoned “Pride and Prejudice” and eventually made a second attempt years later. By that time, I had hoped the chronological lapse would alter my prejudice against her style, forgive the pun, but it still had the same effect on my nerves, but at least I finished the book.
Lo and behold, by some miraculous intervention I was persuaded to try again to see if I could appreciate her work, and this time not just with one novel, but to plough through all her famous books. If you cannot judge a book by its cover, surely we should not judge an author by one book alone? Especially Austen, someone who has withstood the test of time and has entered the history books as one of England’s most famous authors. Would it be possible to overcome my prejudice that had become as unrelenting as Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s towards the mysterious Mr. Darcy?
To be honest, it was a struggle at first. I found myself flipping through the novels and wondering when would I get to the end. “Pride and Prejudice” still stuck in this category for me, “Sense and Sensibility” was also difficult, but after these two, I realized it was just the writing I disliked, get over it! Once I could turn a blind critical eye to her style and concentrate on the stories, the true talent of Austen began to shine through: her unique ability to portray the various characters of the landed gentry of the early 1800s in Regency Britannia, the plotting and scheming for social or monetary advancement, the love triangles, and how true love can over come all adversities even though life will always remain imperfect. Austen was gifted with a keen observation of human nature and possessed a refined sense of the satirical, a master at setting off events with the crash and collision of weak versus strong characters and how all things will settle themselves for better or worse depending on the choices each person makes.
“Sense and Sensibility” ~ After a death in the family, the once wealthy Dashwoods are reduced in their monetary means and are compelled by their change in circumstances to move to a humble cottage on the estate of a distant relative. Can the Dashwood sisters weather the trials of meagre living and find true love among the eligible men from the higher echelons of society now that they must suffer their reduced circumstances?
“Pride and Prejudice” ~ Ah yes, the handsome Mr. Darcy, but out of misplaced pride he snubs Elizabeth Bennet on their introduction. Consequently she perceives him to be cold and aloof, sparking her prejudice against him despite his fortune and good looks. Will ever the twain meet?
“Mansfield Park”~ Fanny Price, a girl from a poor family, is taken in as a ward by her wealthy uncle at Mansfield Park. Fanny is treated as a second class member of the household due to her charity status, but she valiantly suffers through the continual belittlement she suffers. However, an offer of marriage is made to her by someone she detests and the offer is forced upon her by her uncle as a fit match, her ward duly reminding her in so many words of her previous circumstances. As a charity case she could not expect to find anyone better. If she had not been raised in the elegant, refined setting of Mansfield, she would not find anyone in the social circles that mattered, and therefore should take what is on offer. Why, she should be grateful to accept someone who, knowing her former status, has condescended to take an interest in her, and whom he deems to be a fit spouse for her! Will shy, quiet Fanny have the courage to stand up for herself despite appearing ungrateful to her uncle?
“Emma” ~ The delightful tale of a girl who thinks she knows everyone’s heart and is ignorant of her own takes it upon herself to play matchmaker for her acquaintances to the amused chagrin of Mr. Knightly, a family friend. Poor Emma is in for a surprise when her games of love go awry. Will it all end as happily as she envisioned?
“Northanger Abbey” ~ Catherine, the daughter of a clergyman, is invited by a family friend to visit the famous spa town of Bath with them. While there she meets a dashing young gentleman who soon catches her eye and her heart, however, another bachelor attempts to monopolize her time and keep her away from the attentions of anyone else. Can Catherine ditch the self-centred control freak and be allowed to pursue the man who mystifies her?
“Persuasion” ~ Ah, young love! Anne has fallen in love with a captain in the navy, but is persuaded against the match by her aristocratic connections, reasons that all seemed good at the time. Years later, the lovers cross paths and Anne discovers her love is still very much alive. Can there be any hope when in earlier years there was much opposition to their match? More importantly, does he still feel the same way about her after she had rejected his offer?
“Lady Susan” ~ an epistolary novel told through letters. Lady Susan is a devil-may-care socialite who has squandered her fortune makes life a misery for her family and friends. She continues to do so, scheming and plotting for her own ends and welfare. She is manipulative and cunning, and is especially cruel to her daughter Frederica because she is too much like her father and his family, whom she despises. Will Frederica find her true love, or be steered into marriage with a man she has no respect for?
My personal favourites are “Northanger Abbey”, “Lady Susan”, and “Emma”.
“Northanger” is filled with colourful descriptions of the social life at Bath, and Austen’s satire on the public’s fascination with gothic novels was quite amusing indeed, a fun blend of gothic mystery with a humorous, bracing wake-up call to reality displaying the ambitious, greed-filled folly of human nature. “Lady Susan” and the depraved depths that vixen will go to deceive all around her for her own ends was a fascinating character study, so was “Emma” with her playful scheming to arrange the love lives of those closest to her, a capricious innocent tale in comparison with “Lady Susan”! One theme I find interesting in Austen’s writings is the ‘semi-outcast’ family member who is treated harshly but manages to find happiness such as Anne in “Persuasion” and Fanny Price in “Mansfield Park”. A second theme is ‘toxic relationships’ as seen with overbearing parents or guardians, for instance, Fanny’s uncle in “Mansfield Park”, “Lady Susan”, and General Tilney in “Northanger Abbey”. Obviously, Austen seemed to be fascinated with these topics and explored them in different settings.
The final verdict: At long last, I can finally appreciate most of Austen’s work, hurray! I am giving it the full five stars because her development of characters and social situations makes for fascinating reading when you get right down to it. I still have not quite warmed up to “Pride and Prejudice”, but who knows? I promise to give it another chance, I may become the admiring convert, prejudice finally exchanged for undying appreciation.
About the book itself, the edition I am referring to is printed by Wordsworth Library Collection, Wordsworth Editions Limited, (2007). ISBN 978-1-84022-556-3. This version is missing the novel “Sanditon”, probably due to the fact Austen never finished it. I also heard that “Pride and Prejudice” is missing a line in this edition, but as I am not an Austen expert, I do not know if this is true or not. For those of you who like footnotes, this book does not have them, so if you are looking for detailed historical explanations as you read, you will have to invest in another edition. I always find the Oxford World Classics editions very informative if you are inclined to learn more about the historical background of a book. As for the hardback quality, this particular edition is covered in cloth with gold etching for the title, and features a sticker with on the front for the image, not a embossed image printed directly into the cover. The pages are actually thin, the paper more suited for a pocketbook paperback, but if treated well, the book should not fall apart. It does present a pleasing presentation, and looks delightful on a collector’s shelf. However, if you tend to be rough on books, you might want a more sturdy edition.
E.A. Bucchianeri, author.
Mark Twain was not an admirer of Jane Austen’s work as he once declared: “I often want to criticize Jane Austen, but her books madden me so that I can't conceal my frenzy from the reader; and therefore I have to stop every time I begin. Every time I read “Pride and Prejudice” I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.”
My first introduction to Austen’s famous romances was “Pride and Prejudice”. Like Mark Twain, her writing style grated on my nerves so much I could not finish the book. While I believe in respecting the rest of the departed, I too was ready to get a shovel, disturb the author’s grave and brutally pummel into dust what Mark Twain may have missed. Disappointed, I abandoned “Pride and Prejudice” and eventually made a second attempt years later. By that time, I had hoped the chronological lapse would alter my prejudice against her style, forgive the pun, but it still had the same effect on my nerves, but at least I finished the book.
Lo and behold, by some miraculous intervention I was persuaded to try again to see if I could appreciate her work, and this time not just with one novel, but to plough through all her famous books. If you cannot judge a book by its cover, surely we should not judge an author by one book alone? Especially Austen, someone who has withstood the test of time and has entered the history books as one of England’s most famous authors. Would it be possible to overcome my prejudice that had become as unrelenting as Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s towards the mysterious Mr. Darcy?
To be honest, it was a struggle at first. I found myself flipping through the novels and wondering when would I get to the end. “Pride and Prejudice” still stuck in this category for me, “Sense and Sensibility” was also difficult, but after these two, I realized it was just the writing I disliked, get over it! Once I could turn a blind critical eye to her style and concentrate on the stories, the true talent of Austen began to shine through: her unique ability to portray the various characters of the landed gentry of the early 1800s in Regency Britannia, the plotting and scheming for social or monetary advancement, the love triangles, and how true love can over come all adversities even though life will always remain imperfect. Austen was gifted with a keen observation of human nature and possessed a refined sense of the satirical, a master at setting off events with the crash and collision of weak versus strong characters and how all things will settle themselves for better or worse depending on the choices each person makes.
“Sense and Sensibility” ~ After a death in the family, the once wealthy Dashwoods are reduced in their monetary means and are compelled by their change in circumstances to move to a humble cottage on the estate of a distant relative. Can the Dashwood sisters weather the trials of meagre living and find true love among the eligible men from the higher echelons of society now that they must suffer their reduced circumstances?
“Pride and Prejudice” ~ Ah yes, the handsome Mr. Darcy, but out of misplaced pride he snubs Elizabeth Bennet on their introduction. Consequently she perceives him to be cold and aloof, sparking her prejudice against him despite his fortune and good looks. Will ever the twain meet?
“Mansfield Park”~ Fanny Price, a girl from a poor family, is taken in as a ward by her wealthy uncle at Mansfield Park. Fanny is treated as a second class member of the household due to her charity status, but she valiantly suffers through the continual belittlement she suffers. However, an offer of marriage is made to her by someone she detests and the offer is forced upon her by her uncle as a fit match, her ward duly reminding her in so many words of her previous circumstances. As a charity case she could not expect to find anyone better. If she had not been raised in the elegant, refined setting of Mansfield, she would not find anyone in the social circles that mattered, and therefore should take what is on offer. Why, she should be grateful to accept someone who, knowing her former status, has condescended to take an interest in her, and whom he deems to be a fit spouse for her! Will shy, quiet Fanny have the courage to stand up for herself despite appearing ungrateful to her uncle?
“Emma” ~ The delightful tale of a girl who thinks she knows everyone’s heart and is ignorant of her own takes it upon herself to play matchmaker for her acquaintances to the amused chagrin of Mr. Knightly, a family friend. Poor Emma is in for a surprise when her games of love go awry. Will it all end as happily as she envisioned?
“Northanger Abbey” ~ Catherine, the daughter of a clergyman, is invited by a family friend to visit the famous spa town of Bath with them. While there she meets a dashing young gentleman who soon catches her eye and her heart, however, another bachelor attempts to monopolize her time and keep her away from the attentions of anyone else. Can Catherine ditch the self-centred control freak and be allowed to pursue the man who mystifies her?
“Persuasion” ~ Ah, young love! Anne has fallen in love with a captain in the navy, but is persuaded against the match by her aristocratic connections, reasons that all seemed good at the time. Years later, the lovers cross paths and Anne discovers her love is still very much alive. Can there be any hope when in earlier years there was much opposition to their match? More importantly, does he still feel the same way about her after she had rejected his offer?
“Lady Susan” ~ an epistolary novel told through letters. Lady Susan is a devil-may-care socialite who has squandered her fortune makes life a misery for her family and friends. She continues to do so, scheming and plotting for her own ends and welfare. She is manipulative and cunning, and is especially cruel to her daughter Frederica because she is too much like her father and his family, whom she despises. Will Frederica find her true love, or be steered into marriage with a man she has no respect for?
My personal favourites are “Northanger Abbey”, “Lady Susan”, and “Emma”.
“Northanger” is filled with colourful descriptions of the social life at Bath, and Austen’s satire on the public’s fascination with gothic novels was quite amusing indeed, a fun blend of gothic mystery with a humorous, bracing wake-up call to reality displaying the ambitious, greed-filled folly of human nature. “Lady Susan” and the depraved depths that vixen will go to deceive all around her for her own ends was a fascinating character study, so was “Emma” with her playful scheming to arrange the love lives of those closest to her, a capricious innocent tale in comparison with “Lady Susan”! One theme I find interesting in Austen’s writings is the ‘semi-outcast’ family member who is treated harshly but manages to find happiness such as Anne in “Persuasion” and Fanny Price in “Mansfield Park”. A second theme is ‘toxic relationships’ as seen with overbearing parents or guardians, for instance, Fanny’s uncle in “Mansfield Park”, “Lady Susan”, and General Tilney in “Northanger Abbey”. Obviously, Austen seemed to be fascinated with these topics and explored them in different settings.
The final verdict: At long last, I can finally appreciate most of Austen’s work, hurray! I am giving it the full five stars because her development of characters and social situations makes for fascinating reading when you get right down to it. I still have not quite warmed up to “Pride and Prejudice”, but who knows? I promise to give it another chance, I may become the admiring convert, prejudice finally exchanged for undying appreciation.
About the book itself, the edition I am referring to is printed by Wordsworth Library Collection, Wordsworth Editions Limited, (2007). ISBN 978-1-84022-556-3. This version is missing the novel “Sanditon”, probably due to the fact Austen never finished it. I also heard that “Pride and Prejudice” is missing a line in this edition, but as I am not an Austen expert, I do not know if this is true or not. For those of you who like footnotes, this book does not have them, so if you are looking for detailed historical explanations as you read, you will have to invest in another edition. I always find the Oxford World Classics editions very informative if you are inclined to learn more about the historical background of a book. As for the hardback quality, this particular edition is covered in cloth with gold etching for the title, and features a sticker with on the front for the image, not a embossed image printed directly into the cover. The pages are actually thin, the paper more suited for a pocketbook paperback, but if treated well, the book should not fall apart. It does present a pleasing presentation, and looks delightful on a collector’s shelf. However, if you tend to be rough on books, you might want a more sturdy edition.
E.A. Bucchianeri, author.
November 26, 2023
Each one of the novels by Jane Austen are a masterpiece. Not only is the quality of the writing splendid and amazing, but the stories are sensational, and each character comes alive through vibrant descriptions and makes one become really invested with the book!
Sense and Sensibility -read once (4 stars)
Pride and Prejudice -read thrice (5 stars)
Mansfield Park -read once (4 stars)
Emma -read four times (5 stars)
Northanger Abbey -read once (5 stars)
Persuasion -read once (4 stars)
Lady Susan -read once (4 stars)
Sense and Sensibility -read once (4 stars)
Pride and Prejudice -read thrice (5 stars)
Mansfield Park -read once (4 stars)
Emma -read four times (5 stars)
Northanger Abbey -read once (5 stars)
Persuasion -read once (4 stars)
Lady Susan -read once (4 stars)
August 9, 2022
This is my review of all of Jane Austen’s novels. I’m sure it will earn me the wrath and enmity of Austen fans and fanatics everywhere.
In my opinion, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Emma, and Mansfield Park are essentially the same book with different characters and settings to protect the innocent and the not so innocent. Northanger Abbey differs from the other five only in the introduction of the main character’s obsession with Gothic novels.
Lady Susan, on the other hand, is Austen at her snarky, sarcastic best and one of the best examples of an epistolary novel I’ve read. It’s like the proper, British version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
In my opinion, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Emma, and Mansfield Park are essentially the same book with different characters and settings to protect the innocent and the not so innocent. Northanger Abbey differs from the other five only in the introduction of the main character’s obsession with Gothic novels.
Lady Susan, on the other hand, is Austen at her snarky, sarcastic best and one of the best examples of an epistolary novel I’ve read. It’s like the proper, British version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
June 30, 2021
The novels of Jane Austen are among some of the most beloved, most read, and most adapted from the English language. Featuring memorable characters, locations, and narratives the “big four” Austen novels—Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma—all have similar narrative clichés, but all done in unique ways that makes each story fresh. The later three novels are a mixed back of youthful inexperience (Northanger Abbey), different tone (Persuasion), and unique literary style (Lady Susan) with mixed results. Overall, this is a great collection especially as it has all four of Austen’s major works together.
Sense and Sensibility (3.5/5)
Pride and Prejudice (4/5)
Mansfield Park (3.5/5)
Emma (2/5)
Northanger Abbey (1/5)
Persuasion (3/5)
Lady Susan (2.5)
Sense and Sensibility (3.5/5)
Pride and Prejudice (4/5)
Mansfield Park (3.5/5)
Emma (2/5)
Northanger Abbey (1/5)
Persuasion (3/5)
Lady Susan (2.5)
March 27, 2018
Jane Austen can be deemed one of the best classic authors of all time. Women have loved her for ages and rightly so. Her stories are filled with characters who are well rounded and believable. The only novels I didn't like were Emma and Mansfield Park. Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion I liked the most.
It was interesting to read these "chick lit" novels from a man's point of view. As a guy, I'm not the mushy-gushy kind. I like my Les Miserables, Count of Monte Cristo, and War and Peace. When I told my family I was reading Jane Austen they looked at me like "Ermegerd you are?" Yes, yes, I did. They never thought I would read her books based on my interests. However, I've gotta say, these books are not just "chick lit" because there is something everyone can take away from these books.
The main thing I took away from the Jane Austen novels was how people dressed. Women weren't dressed immodestly with boobs hanging out and men weren't wearing their pants below their ass. People dressed to impress. Between you and me, there's nothing more sexy than a modest woman. Women who wear dental floss on a daily basis immediately turn me off. All that comes to mind is "girl is putting out" and "walking std". When a woman walks with confidence and wears modest clothing immediately makes me think how she's secure with herself, intelligent, doesn't care what people say/think, and dignified.
No one wears nice clothes anymore unless they have white collar job, and even then it seems some are casual dress. Kids today can wear pajamas to school. Where's our dignity today? Seriously!
Now, brings me to my last point. Masculinity. Women have read these books since forever and I've always heard them goo-goo and ga-ga over Mr. Darcy and other men in these books. Why? It's because they are masculine men. These men are gentleman, good, kind, and respectful. Girls like that. However, today, the masculine man is being demonized.
Today, the word rouses a negative connotation. Men are "oppressors" and women are "the oppressed." People get an image of perverted, sex-crazed, rapist Zeus when they think of masculinity. That is a very very small percentage of men. Society has demonized masculinity today, and made Feminism consume everything. I'm not against a girl voting or being paid equal to a man. They SHOULD! I'm just saying masculinity or anything "manly" is being demonized. Competitive sports in school are almost a fairytale, drugs are being given to (mostly) boys if they have a lot of energy, recess time is shrinking, and boys are being told they are an oppressive sex. Now, take these physical outlets away and you wonder why boys are being treated for ADD, ADHD, etc. Let boys be boys for God's sake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn1q6...
You want your Mr. Darcy? Then actually practice what you preach. Treat everyone equally. The pendulum is swinging too far the other way. Keep it in the middle.
It was interesting to read these "chick lit" novels from a man's point of view. As a guy, I'm not the mushy-gushy kind. I like my Les Miserables, Count of Monte Cristo, and War and Peace. When I told my family I was reading Jane Austen they looked at me like "Ermegerd you are?" Yes, yes, I did. They never thought I would read her books based on my interests. However, I've gotta say, these books are not just "chick lit" because there is something everyone can take away from these books.
The main thing I took away from the Jane Austen novels was how people dressed. Women weren't dressed immodestly with boobs hanging out and men weren't wearing their pants below their ass. People dressed to impress. Between you and me, there's nothing more sexy than a modest woman. Women who wear dental floss on a daily basis immediately turn me off. All that comes to mind is "girl is putting out" and "walking std". When a woman walks with confidence and wears modest clothing immediately makes me think how she's secure with herself, intelligent, doesn't care what people say/think, and dignified.
No one wears nice clothes anymore unless they have white collar job, and even then it seems some are casual dress. Kids today can wear pajamas to school. Where's our dignity today? Seriously!
Now, brings me to my last point. Masculinity. Women have read these books since forever and I've always heard them goo-goo and ga-ga over Mr. Darcy and other men in these books. Why? It's because they are masculine men. These men are gentleman, good, kind, and respectful. Girls like that. However, today, the masculine man is being demonized.
Today, the word rouses a negative connotation. Men are "oppressors" and women are "the oppressed." People get an image of perverted, sex-crazed, rapist Zeus when they think of masculinity. That is a very very small percentage of men. Society has demonized masculinity today, and made Feminism consume everything. I'm not against a girl voting or being paid equal to a man. They SHOULD! I'm just saying masculinity or anything "manly" is being demonized. Competitive sports in school are almost a fairytale, drugs are being given to (mostly) boys if they have a lot of energy, recess time is shrinking, and boys are being told they are an oppressive sex. Now, take these physical outlets away and you wonder why boys are being treated for ADD, ADHD, etc. Let boys be boys for God's sake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn1q6...
You want your Mr. Darcy? Then actually practice what you preach. Treat everyone equally. The pendulum is swinging too far the other way. Keep it in the middle.
February 3, 2024
What a delight to reread all of Austen’s works together. It was interesting to contrast her heroines as each of them are quite distinctive. It was also interesting to see her growth as a writer and the ways in which she tackled feminine suffering, morality and growth in her heroines.
I was surprised to have loved the one novel I had put off reading for so long because the main character was supposedly so unlikeable, but which given my own early experiences in life, I could well understand and relate too, which was Mansfield Park.
I did enjoy the reading experience of Persuasion a little better the second time around but will never be persuaded as some contend, that this is her best work and best female character.
Northanger Abbey was the only book to remain unchanged in my opinion with the reread. Though I appreciated Austen’s sharp wit the story and heroine did not engage my interest. Also, it rather suffered when read alongside Austen’s other works. It just isn’t the same quality.
Interesting to read Lady Susan who is pretty much amoral and an all round bad bitch. Really resonates with the observation of how Austen wrote of many different types of women as her main characters and it’s a satisfying ending for Lady Susan who is utterly despicable under a beautiful and manipulative facade.
Sense and Sensibility 5*
Pride and Prejudice 5*
Mansfield Park 5*
Persuasion 4*
Northanger Abbey 3.5
Lady Susan 4* (not a fan of epistolary novels, tho this was better than most)
Emma 5*
I was surprised to have loved the one novel I had put off reading for so long because the main character was supposedly so unlikeable, but which given my own early experiences in life, I could well understand and relate too, which was Mansfield Park.
I did enjoy the reading experience of Persuasion a little better the second time around but will never be persuaded as some contend, that this is her best work and best female character.
Northanger Abbey was the only book to remain unchanged in my opinion with the reread. Though I appreciated Austen’s sharp wit the story and heroine did not engage my interest. Also, it rather suffered when read alongside Austen’s other works. It just isn’t the same quality.
Interesting to read Lady Susan who is pretty much amoral and an all round bad bitch. Really resonates with the observation of how Austen wrote of many different types of women as her main characters and it’s a satisfying ending for Lady Susan who is utterly despicable under a beautiful and manipulative facade.
Sense and Sensibility 5*
Pride and Prejudice 5*
Mansfield Park 5*
Persuasion 4*
Northanger Abbey 3.5
Lady Susan 4* (not a fan of epistolary novels, tho this was better than most)
Emma 5*
May 12, 2022
Milestone reached.. I present to you my personal top 5:
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Persuasion
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Emma
5. Mansfield Park
😇
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Persuasion
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Emma
5. Mansfield Park
😇
October 5, 2009
Pride and Prejudice (five stars)
Persuasion (three stars)
I enjoyed this one, perhaps because it wasn't quite as obvious how everything would play out (not the ending, but how it would get there). enjoyable!
Emma (four stars)
I really enjoyed this... I think I can connect to Emma the best out of all the Jane Austen heroines I've met so far, at least as far as personality, not necessarily matchmaking. And can understand things blowing up in your face and regretting decisions... seriously, who can't? Anyway. I think this might be my favorite so far. :)
Sense and Sensibility (four stars)
Mansfield Park (three stars)
Northanger Abbey (three stars)
Lady Susan (four stars)
A little tricky at first, but I love the idea. And really fascinating characters. It made me think of perceptions... how we can view ourselves as better than we are, and how we are attracted to people who support our view of ourselves. (Lady Susan thought she was justified, and her friend agreed, etc.) A great view into how we function.
Persuasion (three stars)
I enjoyed this one, perhaps because it wasn't quite as obvious how everything would play out (not the ending, but how it would get there). enjoyable!
Emma (four stars)
I really enjoyed this... I think I can connect to Emma the best out of all the Jane Austen heroines I've met so far, at least as far as personality, not necessarily matchmaking. And can understand things blowing up in your face and regretting decisions... seriously, who can't? Anyway. I think this might be my favorite so far. :)
Sense and Sensibility (four stars)
Mansfield Park (three stars)
Northanger Abbey (three stars)
Lady Susan (four stars)
A little tricky at first, but I love the idea. And really fascinating characters. It made me think of perceptions... how we can view ourselves as better than we are, and how we are attracted to people who support our view of ourselves. (Lady Susan thought she was justified, and her friend agreed, etc.) A great view into how we function.
September 25, 2019
I'm finally done!!! I LOVE Jane Austen and I LOVE this collection, but this was so long that I think I may never read again in my entire life!
Or at least not until after I've had a really long nap...
Or at least not until after I've had a really long nap...
March 18, 2013
Not that I don't already have a million copies of JA works, but I bought this gorgeous set as a birthday present for myself. =D
Read
April 11, 2021discography COMPLETE. overall i would say that you should probably not buy this book even if you really really like jane austen. very heavy and unwieldy. pretty good for pressing flowers though.
August 21, 2008
My favorite is Pride and Prejudice. It makes me smile. Great characters and well developed story line. A romance that won't make you blush.
April 14, 2016
Well its only been like five years since I first started reading this! I finally finished Lady Susan. An excellent collection.
April 2, 2016
Love that this book got all of Jane Austen's work. My favorite will always be Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensability.
October 6, 2017
one piece of advice don't read all of jane austens books like this
the size of this book means it doubles as a murder weapon
i love the stories
the size of this book means it doubles as a murder weapon
i love the stories
January 1, 2026
I can fully acknowledge Jane Austen’s impact on literature: I see the wit, the social critique, etc..
With all of that said, her writing style just isn’t for me
At all😭
This felt less like an enjoyable reading experience and more like me politely nodding while thinking 'I get it, but I’m not having fun'
And I most certainly wasn‘t having fun
*sobs*
Since this is a collectible edition I will not write lengthy reviews, but only a couple of sentences for each one of these novels:
Sense and Sensibility
'The more that I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!'
A classic exploration of emotion versus logic. Still, the pacing ✨dragged✨ and the emotional restraint often felt more frustrating than compelling; you could say that it was interesting in theory, less so in practice
Pride and Prejudice
'I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation.'
One could say that this is clever and iconic; and yes, I’m aware this opinion may be controversial (switch 'may' with 'is'😭). Unfortunately, its cultural omnipresence worked against it for me - nothing felt surprising anymore, and the slow-burn romance didn’t spark the joy it seems to for everyone else *like, not at all*
Mansfield Park
'Selfishness must always be forgiven, you know, because there is no hope of a cure.'
This one was… a challenge to say the least; quite heavy on moralizing and light on enjoyment lmao. Fanny Price is intentionally virtuous, but I personally found her difficult to connect with, and the overall tone felt *yet again* more exhausting than engaging ehhhh
Emma
'If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.'
Emma Woodhouse is flawed by design - which okay, fair enough (I respect) - BUT reading about her constant meddling tested my patience *A LOT*; could be argued that it is a clever character study, but not a particularly enjoyable journey for me
Northanger Abbey
'I cannot determine what to do about my books!'
*same, same istg*
Probably one of the lighter read, thanks to its satire of gothic novels *which I was really immensely grateful for*; cute, humorous, and self-aware - though still not enough to fully pull me in
Persuasion
'There are certain characters of a decided tendency, which it is particularly incumbent on those who are young and inexperienced to beware of.'
Subtle, mature, and emotionally restrained to the point where I admired it more than I felt it - Anne Elliot is sympathetic, but the quiet tone made this one blend into the rest
Lady Susan
'Where there is a disposition to dislike, one can never want for motives.'
Entertaining in concept, but limited by its ✨format✨; Lady Susan herself is refreshingly unapologetic, which I enjoyed - though the said format kept me at arm's length
SOOOOO here you have my final thoughts🤧:
Jane Austen is influential and absolutely deserves her place in literary history BUT, for me, her writing style felt distant, slow, and emotionally restrained in a way that never fully clicked (and it never will)
Generally not bad - just very, VERY much not my type of a book I‘d gladly pick up and read *was a bday present from a friend - thanks Baki🫶🏻*😭
Respect where it's due, but I think I'm done forcing myself to love Austen
*pls don‘t @ me <3*
With all of that said, her writing style just isn’t for me
At all😭
This felt less like an enjoyable reading experience and more like me politely nodding while thinking 'I get it, but I’m not having fun'
And I most certainly wasn‘t having fun
*sobs*
Since this is a collectible edition I will not write lengthy reviews, but only a couple of sentences for each one of these novels:
Sense and Sensibility
'The more that I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!'
A classic exploration of emotion versus logic. Still, the pacing ✨dragged✨ and the emotional restraint often felt more frustrating than compelling; you could say that it was interesting in theory, less so in practice
Pride and Prejudice
'I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation.'
One could say that this is clever and iconic; and yes, I’m aware this opinion may be controversial (switch 'may' with 'is'😭). Unfortunately, its cultural omnipresence worked against it for me - nothing felt surprising anymore, and the slow-burn romance didn’t spark the joy it seems to for everyone else *like, not at all*
Mansfield Park
'Selfishness must always be forgiven, you know, because there is no hope of a cure.'
This one was… a challenge to say the least; quite heavy on moralizing and light on enjoyment lmao. Fanny Price is intentionally virtuous, but I personally found her difficult to connect with, and the overall tone felt *yet again* more exhausting than engaging ehhhh
Emma
'If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.'
Emma Woodhouse is flawed by design - which okay, fair enough (I respect) - BUT reading about her constant meddling tested my patience *A LOT*; could be argued that it is a clever character study, but not a particularly enjoyable journey for me
Northanger Abbey
'I cannot determine what to do about my books!'
*same, same istg*
Probably one of the lighter read, thanks to its satire of gothic novels *which I was really immensely grateful for*; cute, humorous, and self-aware - though still not enough to fully pull me in
Persuasion
'There are certain characters of a decided tendency, which it is particularly incumbent on those who are young and inexperienced to beware of.'
Subtle, mature, and emotionally restrained to the point where I admired it more than I felt it - Anne Elliot is sympathetic, but the quiet tone made this one blend into the rest
Lady Susan
'Where there is a disposition to dislike, one can never want for motives.'
Entertaining in concept, but limited by its ✨format✨; Lady Susan herself is refreshingly unapologetic, which I enjoyed - though the said format kept me at arm's length
SOOOOO here you have my final thoughts🤧:
Jane Austen is influential and absolutely deserves her place in literary history BUT, for me, her writing style felt distant, slow, and emotionally restrained in a way that never fully clicked (and it never will)
Generally not bad - just very, VERY much not my type of a book I‘d gladly pick up and read *was a bday present from a friend - thanks Baki🫶🏻*😭
Respect where it's due, but I think I'm done forcing myself to love Austen
*pls don‘t @ me <3*
May 3, 2023
What a treat! Persuasion turned out to be my favorite, followed closely by Pride & Prejudice. Then Sense and Sensibility & Northanger Abbey. Lastly Emma & Mansfield Park. I believe that Jane Austen needs to be reread as one ages. Her writing matured with her perspective. There is so much wisdom in her words!
Read
March 22, 2019Sense and Sensibility **
This to me feels like a proto-Pride and Prejudice, showing flashes of the genius for sly wit and sardonic character observations that P&P is renowned for but not the same skill with plot and pacing and a surprisingly anaemic set of romantic interests for the young sisters. It reminds me of reading early Shakespeare; it shows promise of what is to come later but on its own it doesn't justify the author's reputation.
Pride and Prejudice ****
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mansfield Park **
This is allegedly Austen's least popular work and Pride & Prejudice must surely be the most popular. Why? Comparison may be instructive.
P&P's romantic heroes are a dashing, rich, titled, educated and intelligent man and a pretty (but not the most beautiful), educated, intelligent woman who knows here own mind and insists on being appreciated for that mind. Mansfield Park's romantic heroes are a stick-in-the-mud boring but kind and principled second son likely to be comfortably off but not set to inherit the Estate and a timid, shy, submissive, boring girl who at least grows enough spine to not accept a loveless marriage to a morally defective but rich suitor.
The tone of P&P is one of wit, sardonic humour and sly social observation. There is little of this in Mansfield Park. It is replaced with a preachy moralising.
That's probably enough right there. I just don't think modern readers are nearly as receptive to the ideals presented by Fanny and Edmund as compared to those of Lizzy Bennet and Darcy and similarly, wit goes over better than sermons these days.
I struggled with much of the first 4/5ths, at times finding it hard to differentiate all the characters, especially the two Misses Bertram and to establish the connections between them all - especially so in the amateur theatrical week which proves crucial to all that comes later. Eventually I found myself intrigued as to how it was all going to resolve, making the final (sensational) fifth much more interesting.
Emma ***
By just a few pages, the longest Austen novel is a stodge sandwich: 150p of very heavy going where nothing appears to be happening and any concept of advancing plot is lost is bracketed on either side by 50p of lively stuff. That makes for 2/5ths of real fun, compared to just 1/5th of Mansfield Park.
The trademark Austen humour is present in abundence, helping one get through the sagging middle section. Unlike the other Austen novels I've read, the humourous pokes are not restricted to secondary characters; Emma gets it from the start and throughout - she's a flawed character for sure and one has to see the funny side or really not like her. Of course, she learns her lessons by the end and is suitably remorseful for her failings. Contrastingly, Mr. Knightley is really held up as the Ideal Man and his lack of flaws make him somewhat annoying. I thought for a long while his given name was Gary Stu. Turns out it's George.
This to me feels like a proto-Pride and Prejudice, showing flashes of the genius for sly wit and sardonic character observations that P&P is renowned for but not the same skill with plot and pacing and a surprisingly anaemic set of romantic interests for the young sisters. It reminds me of reading early Shakespeare; it shows promise of what is to come later but on its own it doesn't justify the author's reputation.
Pride and Prejudice ****
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mansfield Park **
This is allegedly Austen's least popular work and Pride & Prejudice must surely be the most popular. Why? Comparison may be instructive.
P&P's romantic heroes are a dashing, rich, titled, educated and intelligent man and a pretty (but not the most beautiful), educated, intelligent woman who knows here own mind and insists on being appreciated for that mind. Mansfield Park's romantic heroes are a stick-in-the-mud boring but kind and principled second son likely to be comfortably off but not set to inherit the Estate and a timid, shy, submissive, boring girl who at least grows enough spine to not accept a loveless marriage to a morally defective but rich suitor.
The tone of P&P is one of wit, sardonic humour and sly social observation. There is little of this in Mansfield Park. It is replaced with a preachy moralising.
That's probably enough right there. I just don't think modern readers are nearly as receptive to the ideals presented by Fanny and Edmund as compared to those of Lizzy Bennet and Darcy and similarly, wit goes over better than sermons these days.
I struggled with much of the first 4/5ths, at times finding it hard to differentiate all the characters, especially the two Misses Bertram and to establish the connections between them all - especially so in the amateur theatrical week which proves crucial to all that comes later. Eventually I found myself intrigued as to how it was all going to resolve, making the final (sensational) fifth much more interesting.
Emma ***
By just a few pages, the longest Austen novel is a stodge sandwich: 150p of very heavy going where nothing appears to be happening and any concept of advancing plot is lost is bracketed on either side by 50p of lively stuff. That makes for 2/5ths of real fun, compared to just 1/5th of Mansfield Park.
The trademark Austen humour is present in abundence, helping one get through the sagging middle section. Unlike the other Austen novels I've read, the humourous pokes are not restricted to secondary characters; Emma gets it from the start and throughout - she's a flawed character for sure and one has to see the funny side or really not like her. Of course, she learns her lessons by the end and is suitably remorseful for her failings. Contrastingly, Mr. Knightley is really held up as the Ideal Man and his lack of flaws make him somewhat annoying. I thought for a long while his given name was Gary Stu. Turns out it's George.
October 14, 2008
A fluency with Jane Austen is a practical necessity for dating smart girls, and hey! she's hilarious to boot. Admittedly, once you've read Pride and Prejudice you've pretty much read them all, except Mansfield Park which is just godawful and ought have been expurgated. Be prepared for a lot of lines like this, which are laugh-out-loud funny upon first reading, but become progressively less funny each time you encounter them:
Mary wished to say something very sensible, but knew not how.
Anyway, as mentioned, it's sensible and good sense both to keep a copy around, rereading it every few years to keep oneself up-to-speed on Mr. Darcy, Ms. Woodhouse and the gang, sympathetic references to The Bell Jar just not cutting it with today's literate woman. "Your ingenuousness reminds me a lot of Catherine Morland" is a phrase of no less power than ABRACADABRA! or Asmodeus Belial Hastur Nyarlathotep Wotan Niggurath Dholes Azathoth Tind-alos Kadith [0]! or that old standby, AAAOOOOZORAZZAZZAIEOAZAEIIIOZAKHOEOOOYTHOAZAEAOOZAKHOZAKHEYTHXAALETHYKH [1]!
My, what an obnoxious review! Apologies all around.
[0] Robert Anton Wilson
[1] RAW once more
Mary wished to say something very sensible, but knew not how.
Anyway, as mentioned, it's sensible and good sense both to keep a copy around, rereading it every few years to keep oneself up-to-speed on Mr. Darcy, Ms. Woodhouse and the gang, sympathetic references to The Bell Jar just not cutting it with today's literate woman. "Your ingenuousness reminds me a lot of Catherine Morland" is a phrase of no less power than ABRACADABRA! or Asmodeus Belial Hastur Nyarlathotep Wotan Niggurath Dholes Azathoth Tind-alos Kadith [0]! or that old standby, AAAOOOOZORAZZAZZAIEOAZAEIIIOZAKHOEOOOYTHOAZAEAOOZAKHOZAKHEYTHXAALETHYKH [1]!
My, what an obnoxious review! Apologies all around.
[0] Robert Anton Wilson
[1] RAW once more
Read
January 5, 2022My ratings and reviews for all of Austen's works based on preference-
Northanger Abbey- 5 stars
Pride and Prejudice- 5 stars
Sense and Sensibility- 4 stars
Lady Susan- 4 stars
Love and Friendship- 4 stars
The History of England- 4 stars
Persuasion- 3 stars
Emma- 3 stars
Jane Austen's Juvenilia
Mansfield Park- 1.5 stars
Northanger Abbey- 5 stars
Pride and Prejudice- 5 stars
Sense and Sensibility- 4 stars
Lady Susan- 4 stars
Love and Friendship- 4 stars
The History of England- 4 stars
Persuasion- 3 stars
Emma- 3 stars
Jane Austen's Juvenilia
Mansfield Park- 1.5 stars
May 9, 2024
Nav pagājuši ne trīs gadi, kad esmu pabeigusi Jane Austen mūža laikā publicētās noveles.
Pirms pāris gadiem, atsākot lasīt, izlēmu mēģināt paplašināt savu lasāmvielu, un gluži nelasīt tikai manus iecienītos 'mirušos baltos vīriešus', un bailīgi no mammas plaukta paņēmu šo skaisto Penguin Deluxe izdevumu. Ja jau kādu sievieti sākt lasīt, tad jau kuru gan citu, ja ne Austen.
Neko daudz negaidīju, kā tikai spriganas angļu dāmiņas, kuras samīlās stingros, augstdzimušos kungos un viņu savstarpējās muļķīgās nesaprašanas un ķildas. Būtībā šis apraksts atbilst uz visiem 100%, taču tas nav viss, kas tur ir sastopams.
Neatsverams laikmeta apraksts, redzējums cilvēku būtībās un dažādo, ļoti reālo raksturu atainojums, kā arī niansētie, smieklīgie dialogi ir Jane Austen patiesais spēks. Paši mīlasstāsti man bieži vien likās diezgan nepārliecinoši, nejutu nekādu dzirksti starp daudziem varoņiem (it īpaši tas attiecās uz Mansfield Park), un Austen ir briesmīgs niķis censties salikt visus punktiņus uz i, nožņaugt varoņus aiz sarkanā striķa, likt vīriešiem un sievietēm teikt cildenas mīlas deklamācijas un par visām varītēm uzrakstīt laimīgas beigas, it īpaši tās briesmīgās pēdējās nodaļas ar "un tad, kā jau var noprast, viņi apprecējās, citu varoņu liktenis bija šāds un tāds un vēl citu - vēl kaut kāds. THE END."
Ja man būtu jāsaranžē, tad Pride and Prejudice ar savādo, neticamo Mr. Darcy būtu pašā apakšā; tad Mansfield Park, kuru otrajā daļā atsvēra Fanny Price introspekcija un skatījums uz pārējiem varoņiem, kaut arī beigās visu nogremdēja vissmagākais gadījums, kur varoņus tīri labu beigu vārdā piespiež apprecēties; tad Northhanger Abbey ar savu smieklīgo, taču nopietni neuztveramo komēdiju un meta analīzi; tad Sense and Sensibility ar viegli aizmirstamajiem varoņiem, taču vienu no tikai divām sakarīgajām galvenās varones mātēm, kas liek apdomāt pašas Jane Austen attiecības ar savējo; tad Lady Susan ar interesanto, tik tiešām ļauno galveno varoni, kur tomēr nobālēja pārējie varoņi; tad Emma ar saviem izcilajiem dialogiem, asredzīgo sabiedrības attēlojumu, īstu galvenās varones izaugsmi, daudzšķautņainību un šarmu, taču neinteresantu romantisko risinājumu; tad visbeidzot, vienīgo Jane Austen noveli, kas tiešām aizrāva mani - Persuasion.
Kāda tēma, ko ievēroju, ka caurvij viņas darbus - ģimenes līdzība. To es atskārtu, kad pirms kāda laika uzdūros kādam mūsdienu kristiešu rakstam, kas moralizēja, ka mūsdienās jauni cilvēki dzīvo kopā pirms laulībām, jo savādāk nav iespējams iepazīt to cilvēku ilgstoši. Agrākos laikos cilvēki varēja tevi iepazīt caur tavu ģimeni, jo galu galā, tāds raksturs, kāds būs partnera ģimenei, visticamāk iedzims tavā partnerī un tālāk jūsu bērnos.
Šo lasot, es piepeši atskārtu, ka tieši tāds skatījums ir visos Jane Austen darbos. Daudzu varoņu grūtības dzīvē (un lielu apkaunojumu) izraisa savādi - muļķīgi vai amorālām nosliecēm apveltīti ģimenes locekļi, par kuriem jākaunās un kuru dēļ tiek veikti spriedumi par pašu varoņu prāta spējām, moralitāti vai rakstura iezīmēm.
Vienmēr galvenā varone ir atsitusies vienā no 'pareizajiem' vecākiem - Persuasion gadījumā tā bija mirusī māmiņa, kamēr Pride and Prejudice gadījumā tas ir vietā noliktais, visu atļaujošais tēvs. Turpretī ne-galvenajos varoņos šādas īpašības bieži tiek izspēlētas tā, kā gaidīts - brālis un māsa, abi ļaunprātīgi cilvēku izmantotāji un manipulētāji, divas māsas - muļķīgas, taču jautras meitenes, no kurām vecākā ir spilgtāka personība un jaunākā - mazāk spilgta, bet gandrīz tāda pati. Šķiet, ne reizes neievēroju varoņus, kuri neliktos kāds sajaukums ar ģimenes locekļu īpašībām.
Citātus sāku atzīmēt, tikai pēdējās noveles lasot, taču šeit šādi tādi, kas mani uzrunāja:
Iz Northhanger Abbey:
Iz Persuasion
Pirms pāris gadiem, atsākot lasīt, izlēmu mēģināt paplašināt savu lasāmvielu, un gluži nelasīt tikai manus iecienītos 'mirušos baltos vīriešus', un bailīgi no mammas plaukta paņēmu šo skaisto Penguin Deluxe izdevumu. Ja jau kādu sievieti sākt lasīt, tad jau kuru gan citu, ja ne Austen.
Neko daudz negaidīju, kā tikai spriganas angļu dāmiņas, kuras samīlās stingros, augstdzimušos kungos un viņu savstarpējās muļķīgās nesaprašanas un ķildas. Būtībā šis apraksts atbilst uz visiem 100%, taču tas nav viss, kas tur ir sastopams.
Neatsverams laikmeta apraksts, redzējums cilvēku būtībās un dažādo, ļoti reālo raksturu atainojums, kā arī niansētie, smieklīgie dialogi ir Jane Austen patiesais spēks. Paši mīlasstāsti man bieži vien likās diezgan nepārliecinoši, nejutu nekādu dzirksti starp daudziem varoņiem (it īpaši tas attiecās uz Mansfield Park), un Austen ir briesmīgs niķis censties salikt visus punktiņus uz i, nožņaugt varoņus aiz sarkanā striķa, likt vīriešiem un sievietēm teikt cildenas mīlas deklamācijas un par visām varītēm uzrakstīt laimīgas beigas, it īpaši tās briesmīgās pēdējās nodaļas ar "un tad, kā jau var noprast, viņi apprecējās, citu varoņu liktenis bija šāds un tāds un vēl citu - vēl kaut kāds. THE END."
Ja man būtu jāsaranžē, tad Pride and Prejudice ar savādo, neticamo Mr. Darcy būtu pašā apakšā; tad Mansfield Park, kuru otrajā daļā atsvēra Fanny Price introspekcija un skatījums uz pārējiem varoņiem, kaut arī beigās visu nogremdēja vissmagākais gadījums, kur varoņus tīri labu beigu vārdā piespiež apprecēties; tad Northhanger Abbey ar savu smieklīgo, taču nopietni neuztveramo komēdiju un meta analīzi; tad Sense and Sensibility ar viegli aizmirstamajiem varoņiem, taču vienu no tikai divām sakarīgajām galvenās varones mātēm, kas liek apdomāt pašas Jane Austen attiecības ar savējo; tad Lady Susan ar interesanto, tik tiešām ļauno galveno varoni, kur tomēr nobālēja pārējie varoņi; tad Emma ar saviem izcilajiem dialogiem, asredzīgo sabiedrības attēlojumu, īstu galvenās varones izaugsmi, daudzšķautņainību un šarmu, taču neinteresantu romantisko risinājumu; tad visbeidzot, vienīgo Jane Austen noveli, kas tiešām aizrāva mani - Persuasion.
Kāda tēma, ko ievēroju, ka caurvij viņas darbus - ģimenes līdzība. To es atskārtu, kad pirms kāda laika uzdūros kādam mūsdienu kristiešu rakstam, kas moralizēja, ka mūsdienās jauni cilvēki dzīvo kopā pirms laulībām, jo savādāk nav iespējams iepazīt to cilvēku ilgstoši. Agrākos laikos cilvēki varēja tevi iepazīt caur tavu ģimeni, jo galu galā, tāds raksturs, kāds būs partnera ģimenei, visticamāk iedzims tavā partnerī un tālāk jūsu bērnos.
Šo lasot, es piepeši atskārtu, ka tieši tāds skatījums ir visos Jane Austen darbos. Daudzu varoņu grūtības dzīvē (un lielu apkaunojumu) izraisa savādi - muļķīgi vai amorālām nosliecēm apveltīti ģimenes locekļi, par kuriem jākaunās un kuru dēļ tiek veikti spriedumi par pašu varoņu prāta spējām, moralitāti vai rakstura iezīmēm.
Vienmēr galvenā varone ir atsitusies vienā no 'pareizajiem' vecākiem - Persuasion gadījumā tā bija mirusī māmiņa, kamēr Pride and Prejudice gadījumā tas ir vietā noliktais, visu atļaujošais tēvs. Turpretī ne-galvenajos varoņos šādas īpašības bieži tiek izspēlētas tā, kā gaidīts - brālis un māsa, abi ļaunprātīgi cilvēku izmantotāji un manipulētāji, divas māsas - muļķīgas, taču jautras meitenes, no kurām vecākā ir spilgtāka personība un jaunākā - mazāk spilgta, bet gandrīz tāda pati. Šķiet, ne reizes neievēroju varoņus, kuri neliktos kāds sajaukums ar ģimenes locekļu īpašībām.
Citātus sāku atzīmēt, tikai pēdējās noveles lasot, taču šeit šādi tādi, kas mani uzrunāja:
Iz Northhanger Abbey:
Iz Persuasion
August 29, 2013
Having read all of these several times before, I cannot say there is any surprise...but by heaven there is joy...in them. No one paints her time with so much style and realism as Austen. She is the rarest of storytellers, whose language alone delights.
September 14, 2010
My goal for the summer was to re-read Jane Austen's novels in their entirety. And I'm happy to say, I'm finished. It's been some time since I sat down to read any of her novels. I've probably watched the movies more than I've actually sat down to read them. I know many people do an annual reading of her works. I'm not sure I could do that - but would instead place them into the "read these books at different times of your life" category.
It always amazes me how these novels still resonate today. For a female novelist of her time, Jane Austen was an incredibly smart, witty, and sarcastic personality. Her dry humor and observational skills are incredible.
Her novels introduce us to a variety of characters, from the strong willed (Elizabeth Bennet) to the weakling (Fanny Price)women to the men we want to be with (Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy) to the ones we could do without (Willoughby, anyone?). And you can't forget the comic foils, most often seen in the matron role of the book. We all know who we want to be, who we're cheering for, who we despise,and who we feel sorry for. There's a character for every person.
I love these books for their relatablity. Their sense of hope, and their quoteability. I, personally, will be adopting the following for the coming year "It sometimes happens that a woman is handsomer at 29 than she was 10 years before."
I don't know when my next Jane Austen reading will take place. But I look forward to seeing where I am, how I've changed, and if my favorites will be altered, compared to where I am today. I guess we'll just wait and see, and hope for the best.
It always amazes me how these novels still resonate today. For a female novelist of her time, Jane Austen was an incredibly smart, witty, and sarcastic personality. Her dry humor and observational skills are incredible.
Her novels introduce us to a variety of characters, from the strong willed (Elizabeth Bennet) to the weakling (Fanny Price)women to the men we want to be with (Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy) to the ones we could do without (Willoughby, anyone?). And you can't forget the comic foils, most often seen in the matron role of the book. We all know who we want to be, who we're cheering for, who we despise,and who we feel sorry for. There's a character for every person.
I love these books for their relatablity. Their sense of hope, and their quoteability. I, personally, will be adopting the following for the coming year "It sometimes happens that a woman is handsomer at 29 than she was 10 years before."
I don't know when my next Jane Austen reading will take place. But I look forward to seeing where I am, how I've changed, and if my favorites will be altered, compared to where I am today. I guess we'll just wait and see, and hope for the best.
February 14, 2022
⭒ 3.5 ⭒
The rating goes for the entire book.
Generally, I enjoyed this whole-long experience and I admit, Jane Austen is brilliantly a pioneer author.
The book includes seven of her eminent works:
- Sense & Sensibility
- Pride & Prejudice
- Mansfield Park
- Emma
- Northanger Abbey
- Persuasion
- Lady Susan
And here's the novels I liked the most:
- Pride & Prejudice: I honestly had read it years ago and it was an instant and solid lovable novel to me. I always had issues with Classics and reading this book made a huge difference that played a huge role in adding Classics into my booklist.
- Northanger Abbey: the 2nd best! I admit, I admired this one and will always do.
- Persuasion: to be frank, this novel hasn't got my full admiration, but I liked some of it anyway.
As for the other works, they weren't appealing to my taste and I had problems to get into them. I wished that I could like them but I couldn't. However, now I can observe the actuality of the Classic literature through Austen's pen.
The rating goes for the entire book.
Generally, I enjoyed this whole-long experience and I admit, Jane Austen is brilliantly a pioneer author.
The book includes seven of her eminent works:
- Sense & Sensibility
- Pride & Prejudice
- Mansfield Park
- Emma
- Northanger Abbey
- Persuasion
- Lady Susan
And here's the novels I liked the most:
- Pride & Prejudice: I honestly had read it years ago and it was an instant and solid lovable novel to me. I always had issues with Classics and reading this book made a huge difference that played a huge role in adding Classics into my booklist.
- Northanger Abbey: the 2nd best! I admit, I admired this one and will always do.
- Persuasion: to be frank, this novel hasn't got my full admiration, but I liked some of it anyway.
As for the other works, they weren't appealing to my taste and I had problems to get into them. I wished that I could like them but I couldn't. However, now I can observe the actuality of the Classic literature through Austen's pen.
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